PhD in Anthropology

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

22

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Diversity

North America:

5%

Africa:

2%

Others:

6%

UK:

60%

Asia:

10%

South America:

2%

EU:

15%

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Graduation Rate

95%

Job Placement

90%

Top recruiters

American Historical Association

American Association for State and Local History

Wellcome Trust

The British Museum

National Trust for Historic Preservation

American Museum of Natural History

UNESCO

Oxfam

Save the Children

University College London

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

$29,800 / year

Overall Cost

$44,800 / year

FAQs

• What are the main research areas and departmental strengths?
  
  UCL Anthropology is one of the largest and most diverse departments in the UK, with research strengths across evolutionary and environmental anthropology, material culture, medical anthropology, and public/social anthropology. The department is ranked among the top in the world for anthropology
• What research training and support does the program offer?
  
  Students receive training in a wide range of research methods, including participant observation, interviews, ethnographic recordings, surveys, visual and object analysis, archival research, auto-ethnography, genealogical histories, laboratory work, and participatory action research. Each student is supported by a supervisory panel of multidisciplinary staff, student mentors, and departmental graduate tutors
• What are the tuition fees?
  
  For the 2025/26 academic year, the overseas tuition fee is approximately £29,800 per year. UK tuition fees are set separately. Tuition status depends on residency and other criteria
• What is the application process and timeline?
  
  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but should be submitted at least three months before the preferred start date. Applicants must contact and secure support from a proposed supervisor prior to applying
• How long does the program take, and what is the mode of study?
  
  The PhD is a full-time, on-campus program, typically completed in three years (36 months). Part-time options may be available in some cases
• What are the entry requirements?
  
  Ideal candidates have a Master’s degree with Distinction in Anthropology or a closely related discipline. The minimum requirement is a Master’s degree with Merit or a Bachelor’s Honours degree with Distinction. Applicants must secure support from a proposed supervisor before applying. Strong English proficiency is required.
• What is the focus of the PhD in Anthropology at UCL?
  
  The UCL PhD in Anthropology is designed to train students to become leading experts on human life, culture, society, ecology, biology, or combinations of these. The program covers a broad range of research areas, including Biological Anthropology, Material, Visual and Digital Culture, Medical Anthropology, and Social and Cultural Anthropology. Students develop advanced skills in both qualitative and quantitative methods, and most undertake sustained fieldwork or laboratory research